I hate doing posts that have no context – it makes me feel like I am just throwing stuff on the wall and hoping that some of it sticks. On the other hand, finding the time to research a post and write something meaty is becoming increasingly difficult to do.
So, I find myself battling blogger’s block.
What next?
I certainly do not have enough traction to continue with things they way they are. Let’s face it. 3 weeks between posts is way too long. On the other hand, I could post every day but it would be a couple of tracks and there would absolutely be nothing in the way of context. This is the problem I find myself trying to face.
Lydia and Charles (who went in to work on a Sunday, no less to try and make this track upload happen, thank you so very much) send in a couple of tracks that we have had requests for over the last month or so.
Enjoy.
And drop me a comment and let me know what you think about what I am doing here.
First off, Kenya Blue Stars in the track that made them what they are. That, of course, is Moreno on vocals.
I understand having blogger block! Here’s my two cents. I love to listen to music but I am not as avid a listener as you, or many many people. So your blog provides me with a pleasurable interlude. And it gives me some context to understand what I’m listening to. Clearly more knowledgeable people get a lot more, but the context is important to both. Also as an American, your blog is a bridge in lots of interesting directions, it’s great this is such an international blog.
If you posted some songs fairly regularly, I would miss the context you provide. But, I also love reading the comments. So it’s quite possible that more frequent posting with less context on your part could turn into a more conversational blog–if that’s something you’d like. And I think that could be quite nice too. The main thing is I appreciate all you do:-)
Steve,
That is Cuthbert Mbocha and not Moreno. Moreno had not joined by then ie 1980 or there about.
@Steve
I fully understand where you are coming from. There many important things which compete for an adult’s life – work, social calls, resting etc. What you seem not to realise is how much your excellent work is being valued – you certainly underestimate how much joy you bring into many people’s hearts, through your unique blog. Surely, it is not my wish to keep you strained for the sake of my pleasure, otherwise I will be labeled selfish- but my advise is quite short: do what you are able to do when you are time.
Avoid the pressure of adding the ‘flesh’ or research around the music to find the context or be pressed for making more frequent posts – African music speaks on its own; let the music do the talking! Posting tracks only is quite adequate. Like John Powers has said, the visitors will join in to talk, ask and answer each other through comments- you may still chip in with your comments and extra flesh to the tracks at your own convenience.
How about that ?
Hi Moderator( Steve),
It is all good. But don’t compromise a single bit of what you have been doing. Keep it steadfast as you have always done.
I imagine that, if you start relenting on some bits of your stuff, you may slight gradually to a point where you cant even post in the future!
Just a thought!
Best regards….
‘
The kind of stuff you ‘throw on the wall’ is very much appreciated. Please feel free to do so. Esororo, Lydia, kabuga, etc will take care of the rest. You are not alone in this thing. This blog may have your name on it but it is OUR blog. Much thanx as always.
Nobrun is 101 pct right!
@Steve;
The above comments have pretty much nailed it, but a couple of personal thoughts.
For me, the Dog Days of Summer are here, and I find it difficult to get anything done. I find it so much easier to park my butt in the hammock, take in a beverage, step back from the world, and relax. There’s nothing wrong in that. I cannot decide which African CD to play in the car on the commute to/from work; I’m tired of them all, temporarily I know, but tired nonetheless. So this week, the only CDs in the car are “Pure Disco” Vol 1, 2, AND 3. If “Love Rollercoaster” can’t fix what ails me, it can’t be fixed!
To put a point on this pencil: a little bit of change is okay. We do not expect to be enlightened or entertained week in and week out. Maintaining a posting sked which makes you comfortable is okay. To change content a bit is okay. Relax, enjoy, find a comfortable rhythym that works for you, and I am sure your readers will step up and help out.
I
@ Steve……is understandable: Personally i tried running a blog. i was dead before i hit the first corner down the street. Everyone else, much thanks for keeping this blog alive. i have come across some unique songs i heard way back, it just re-lives my long gone days! All said I came across this Luambo Makiadi tune! Andu wa Andura! At first the name sounded Kikuyu/meru/ kamba or even luhya………mmmmhhhh it is bantuish and its franco. i had to take a second look. For sure its the oldman! Feel free. By the way i have been having problems uploading music on sendspace. Hopefully this works.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sbiecd
Enjoy
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sbiecd
Steve
Many people get so much enjoyment from this blog. For me, I’d like you to enjoy doing the blog as much as we enjoy visiting it. If this means there’s periods of time when you just post tracks and other times when you do the works – thats just the way it should be. Its a hobby not a job and you should enjoy it!
It’ more than just a blog it’s become more like a community and hopefully we can entertain ourselves with music and chats while you take break to recharge your batteries. Please don’t feel pressure to maintain a certain pace.
Your work is very much appreciated.
Steve,
Many thanks for this blog. I’m from the Middle East and really enjoy all the tracks you post here.
Would it be possible if you upload “Ekuneneke” by Tshala Muana and “Samba” by Super Mazembe?! Thanks again for the great work.
@Abdullah
Here’s Samba by Supermazembe Enjoy
http://www.sendspace.com/file/p6ev9s
@Steve
I can’t play the Sina kisomo tracks and the rest are just a couple of seconds long.
Also I gave you the wrong names for the Osibisa tracks – my mistake – I was doing it off the top of my head, they are Happy Children and Fire.
Thanks
Re the Sina Kisomo trax:
I changed the file extensions to .mp4 and they play just fine in Windows Media Player Version 11 and Real Player Version 10.5. They will not play in Audacity Version 1.2.6
Check this out: http://www.putfile. com/dekcol . Over 200 rare to find songs, of course some are already here. Thanks Steve for inspiring hundreds of music collectors like the owner of this site.
Anyai
@Kabuga
I finally got to listen to Sina Kisomo – I’m grateful to be able to hear it again! Sounds just as great as it did those many years ago. Asante!
Lydia,
It has been my pleasure. The guy on vocals was one of Kenya’s best ever besides Maroon’s David KIbe.
I am thinking of bridging the gap between melodica and music collectors out there.
I would receive orders of what they have and arrange shipment. Can it work?
@Kabuga
That sounds like a good idea. I already buy alot of stuff off the internet and that would be a good additional resource. Lets hear what others think.
@Kabuga
Would definitely be interested.
That is an excellent idea.
Count me in as well. I definitely would be interested in dropping some cash to get music that I want brought in for a reasonable amount.
Kabuga, I will post a link to your comment shortly.
- Steve
Anyone with instructions on how to download songs from Esororo’s list?
If you have Real Player 11 , lasest version ,play clip, rest cursor on the ‘box’ playing the clip, then lift cursor up just clear of this box, and another ‘box’ should appear saying download this file, just click on this. gerry
Esororo and Gerry, thanks for the help. I have the trial version of real player. Playing the songs at site opens with quicktime icon but nothing in RealP. Any more suggestions? Why is it better to have RP than itunes of windows player?
itunes or windows player?
@ Jay
Itunes or Windows Media Player I have does not give the options to record or save the tracks. Maybe the latest WMP has the option. And the truth is I have not used either of them. Good luck.
Esororo and Gerry. Thanks Wa Kwetu!!. I played with RealP and it worked. Familiarity does it. Steve!!, I am night-running tonight so that you can come back with Dawa Kali!!!. Riiswaa!!!
@Lydia
Thanks a lot for the track.
This takes me back to childhood, can someone please upload Slim Ali’s “Tell Me”??